Tabulating machine



NOV. 5, 1935. u G 2,019,863

TABULATI NG MACHINE Filed July 29, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet l lltlviiygu ATTORNEY Nov. 5, 1935. u. KCLM TABULATING MACHINE Filed July 29, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY Nov. 5, 1935. u. KOLM 2,019,363

TABULATING MACHINE Filed July 29, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIGS. 62

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o: INVENTOR v Nov. 5, 1935. u. KOLM TABULATING MACHINE Filed July 29, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR' BY ATTORNEY Patented Nov. 5, 1935 UNITEDSTA'TES PATENT OFFICE Ulrich Kiilm, Berlin, Germany, assignor, by memo assignments, to International Business Machines Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application July 29, 1932, Serial No. 625,747

Germany October 22, 1931 9 Claims. (01. 235-92) This invention relates to accounting machines in which data on perforated record cards are summarized and the result printed on a record sheet. In certain classes of work, separate classification data are separately accumulated and it is frequently desirable to record the relationship existing between the separate results. For instance, in summarizing control accounts where certain data represent amounts received and indicating their relationship.

A more specific object is to compare the data contained in several accumulators and indicate by a graphic representation which of the accumulators contains the greater amount.

A further object is to compare such accumulators and-indicate by a graphic representation that the amounts are equal if such is the case.

Further andother objects and advantages will be hereinafter set forth in the accompanying specification and claims, and shown in the drawings, which by way of illustration show what is now considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, and also several modifications thereof.

In the drawings:

Fig-1 is a wiring diagram of the electric circuits of a tabulating machine to which the invention may be applied;

Fig. 2 is a modified form of circuit diagram showing another arrangement of the circuits employed in carrying out the invention;

' Fig. 7 is a detail sectional view taken on line l-'I of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a detail of certain total taking contacts.

The invention may be applied to the type of electric tabulating machine disclosed in Patent No. 1,762,145 issued to Daly and Page June 10, 1930 and also in Patent No. 1,822,594 issued to C. D. Lake, September 8, 1931. As machines of this type are well known a detailed description 10 thereof need not be made herein, other than to briefly outline the general operation of the machine to obtain a summation of data on several counters, which summations or totals are to be compared with one another by means of the pres- II ent invention.

The diagram (Fig. 1) is entirely similar to that. shownin the patent to Daly and Page previously referred to. During adding operations, the machine is driven by a tabulating motor TM controlled by a group of cam and relay controlled circuits indicated at Ill and is driven during total taking operations by a reset motor RM controlled by a group of circuits, contacts and relays designated generally at ll. When the tabulating motor TM is in operation, it feeds the perforated tabulating cards, bearing differentially arranged index points representing digits, first, beneath the upper analyzing brushes UB and exactly one machine cycle later beneath the lower 80 analyzing brushes LB. By means of the group control mechanism indicated generally at groups of cards as represented by the same data entry in certain selected columns, may be operated upon separately, the items of each group 86 being accumulated and the total of them taken before the machine begins operation on the following card groups. As the perforated cards pass the lower brushes LB, their index points instantaneously close circuits through the proper lower analyzing brushes LB to energize counter magnets I! (see also Fig. 3). A representative adding circuit may be traced as follows: from left side of line 25, wire 26, normally closed contacts 21 3 is a cross sectonalvmw wen known of CTR #l, adding magnet l2, plug connection 28 I Hollerith accumulator,

Fig 4 is a circuit diam of a meme t1 0 t to the lower brush sockets, lower brush LB perm i t1 p n o foration in the record card, wire 29, impulse dis- 8 nven tributor 30, wire 3|, lower card lever contacts 5 is a cross sectional View of the printing LCL, wires 32, cam contacts Tl, cam contacts mechwsm or a well known type of hunting P3 to right side of line 33. As usual, the timed m energizations of these magnets I! control mech- Fi 6 is a ia ram atic view s owi s w the anism to: entering the data corresponding to the obje t of t v nti n may be ealiz d in concard reading on the counter wheels 34 (Fig. 3). nection with a tabulator of the mechanically op- When any counter magnet i2 is energized, it 56 crating type; causes contacts 35 (Fig. 1) to close, energizing a 1 printer magnet 36 to select the type corresponding to the entered data, for printing. A representative circuit may be traced as follows: from left side of line 25, wire 26, contacts 35, plug connection 31, printer magnet 36, wire 38, upper contacts LPI, switch 39 (closed if listing is desired) switch 43, contacts 4|, (closed during printing operations) and thence to right side of line 33. In this fashion, the accumulated items may be listed. These functions do not enter specifically into the present invention and will not be described in detail as they are well understood and fully described and explained in the patents previously mentioned.

Referring now to Fig. 3, the counter wheels 34 are integral with gears 42, driven by gears 43 carried by a shaft 44 and driven therefrom under control of the counter magnets l2 as previously stated. As usual, the counter wheels 34 are provided with indications so that the data entered thereon may be visually indicated. Also driven from the gear 43 is a gear 45 of which one is provided for each counter wheel 34. Attached to each gear 45 is the usual stepped cam 46 pro vided with ten steps, one for each of the ten positions which the indicating counter wheel 34 may assume.

During total taking operations, the shaft 41 is rocked in a counterclockwise direction in synchronism with the elevation of the printing type bars. Carried by this shaft is a rocking frame 43. Loosely mounted on the shaft 41, are a number of feeler fingers 49 provided with sutiable adjusting screws 53 upon their ends. These feeler fingers are connected with the frame 43 by means of springs 5| and their adjustment relatively to the frame may be made by means of screws 52.

As the frame 48 rocks counterclockwise, the feeler fingers 49 follow the frame, remaining in contact therewith until the adjustment screws 53 come into contact with the stepped cams 43 which are associated with the counter wheels.

Subsequently, frame 48 continues its movement, the feeler fingers and associated parts remain-' ing stationary. Attached to each feeler finger and insulated therefrom is a curved contact member 53. Disposed to the right of this contact member 53 are blade contacts 54 and 55, the former being carried by a common bar 56 attached to and insulated from the frame 48 and the latter being individually supported by a transverse bar of insulating material. During the downward rocking of the fingers 49, the blade contacts 54 will remain out of contact with the curved contact surface 53 until the feeler fingers are arrested. Immediately thereafter, contact is made between 54 and 53 and thus blade 54 is electrically connected with blade contact 55 which is always in contact with 53. These parts thus constitute a means for timing the closure of the circuits to the printer magnets when a total printing'is to be taken.

In addition to the contact blades described, there is an additional contact blade 540 (Fig. 8) and a fixed contact bar 51 for controlling the printing of an asterisk or other special designa tion. The parts just described are diagrammatically represented in the circuit diagram (Fig. 1) on which a representative total printing circuit may be traced as follows: from left side of line 25, through zero button contacts 53, (which are closed when total printing is desired from the associated counter) wire 53, contact blade 53, contact blade 54, plug wire 31, print magnet 36, wire 33, lower contacts LPI, (closed during total printing operations) cam contacts 63, switch 43, contacts 4| to right side of line 33 as before.

In Fig. 5 is shown the printing mechanism through which the type bar 6| is positioned relatively to the platen 62 to bring the proper type 63 into printing position opposite the platen. The total shaft 64, driven by the reset motor RM, is provided with a cam 65 cooperating with a roller 66 carried on arm 61 freely rotatable on shaft 68. As the cam rotates, arm 61 rocks n) clockwise and a lug 68 cooperating with an arm I3 fixed to shaft 68 also rocks clockwise. An arm H, fixed to shaft 68, is link-connected to printing crosshead 12 which serves to raise the type bars 6| in synchronism with the total taking op- 1.3 eration, so that the type 33 successively pass printing position opposite platen 62. Owing to spring operated scissors connection 13, however, the type bars 3| may be arrested in any printing position without interfering with the upward movement of the crosshead 12. The type bar is arrested under control of the printing magnet 36. When this is energized, it attracts its armature l4 and pulls a call wire 15 to the right, thereby releasing a latch member 16 normally holding stop pawl 11. When the pawl 11 is so released, it is spring operated to engage ratchet teeth 18 formed on the type bar 6| to prevent further upward movement of the type bar, thus holding a particular type 63 in printing position.

The mechanism and circuits just described and traced are ,set forth in more particular detail in the patents mentioned to which reference may be had for further detailed disclosure and since such mechanism forms no part of the present invention further. explanation thereof is not necessary here.

It has been briefly pointed out how data may be read from record cards and entered into the accumulating mechanism from whence circuits are completed to control the printing of such entered data. It has also been pointed out how, during total taking operations, the accumulated data may be read from the accumulators and caused to control printing operations to record such totals. If the detailed listing of the individually entered items is not desired, switch 39 may be opened so that the separate items are accumulated but not printed and printing will only take place during total taking operations. This arrangement is in accordance with the well known method of operating tabulating machines of this character.

The specific details of the present improve ments in the machine will now be explained. 5 In Fig. 1, two counters have been shown and indicated generally as counter CTR #l and CTR #2. A plurality of differential relays 83 are provided, one for each order of the accumulator. One winding of relay 33 is connected to plug sockets 3| and the other winding is connected to plug sockets 32. These sockets may be connected by suitable plug wires 83 to plug sockets 84 connecting the associated winding of relay 83 in series with a printer magnet 36 of CTR #I while plug sockets 82 may be connected through plug wires 35 to plug sockets 36 connecting the associated winding in series with printer magnet 36 of the corresponding denominational order of CTR #2. In a similar manner each of the relays 70 33 may have one of its windings connected in series with each of ,the denominational orders of CTR. #I and its other winding in series with the corresponding denominational orders of CTR #2.

It is, therefore, apparent that any circuit through'a printing magnet 36 will also energize its series connected winding of the associated relay 99. If both windings of a relay 99 are simultaneously energized the relay will fail to attract its armature and consequently fail to close its associated contact points. If, however, one of the windings is energized in advance of the other, so that at the same instant such winding alone is energized the contact of the relay will close and a circuit will be completed from left side of line 26 through wire 91, cam contacts PI2, wire 99, closed contacts of relay 99, wire 99, relay magnet 99, resistance 9| to right side of line 33. Energization of relay 99 will cause closure of its points 99a, setting up a holding circuit for the I relay 99, which may be traced from line 25, wire 91, cam contacts PI2, wire 99, contacts 990, relay 99 to line 33 as before.

Cam contacts PI2 are controlled by a suitable cam carried by the total shaft 64 and are timed to close during total taking operations of the machine during the interval when the type 63 are being elevated. If the corresponding orders of counters #I and #2 complete their total printing circuits to their respective magnets 36 at the same time, indicating that both orders contain the same number, the associated relay 99 does not attract its armature. As, for example, if, in a particular order, both counter wheels stood at 6, then both printing magnet circuits would be simultaneously completed at the proper time in the cycle of operations to intercept the 6 type 63 in printing position and both windings of the associated relay 99 would be simultaneously energized.

If, however, the corresponding denominational orders of the two counters did not agree in their setting the one having the greater value would complete its printing circuit in advance of the other and would cause the associated relay 99 ,to close its contact points and energize relay magnet 99. Since relay 99 sets up a holding circuit for itself, the subsequent energization of the second coil of relay 99 associated with the order having a lower value, while it would cause opening of the contact points of the relay 99, would not affect the holding circuit set-up.of magnet 99.

As previously pointed out, blade 54a and bar 51 are normally in spaced relationship and their usual function during normal tabulating operations is to complete a circuit to a related printing magnet 36a to cause printing of an asterisk to indicate that the printed item is a total. In the present invention, a switch 9I is provided which, when open, as shown prevents this normal operation. Wires 92 and 93 are provided, which short circuit blades 51, 54a and connect points 99b of relay 99 in' series with asteriskprinting magnet 36a. When relay 99 is energized and points 99b close, ,a circuit may be traced as follows: From line 25, zero buttoncontacts 59 of CTR. #2, wire 92, relay points 99b, wire 93, print magnet 36a, wire 38, lever contacts LP2, wire 94, contacts 69, switch 49, contacts 4| to line 33.

The type bar controlled by magnet 36a carries a plurality of asterisk type in place of the numeral type on the other bars, and if magnet 36a is energized, its bar will be interrupted and an asterisk printed therefrom as an indication that the amounts in counters #I and #2 are unlike.

Fig. 2 shows the manner in which the same result may be accomplished with the use of two independent relays in place of the differential relay of Fig. 1. Relay 95 may be plug connected in series with a print magnet 36 of counter #I and relay 96 may be plug connected in series with a corresponding magnet 36 of counter #2. If both relays are simultaneously energized, no circuit is completed through their points. If relay 95 is energizedalone and in advance of relay 96 5 a circuit may be traced as follows: From line 25, wire 91, contacts PI2, wire 91, relay points 95a (now closed), wire 98, relay points 96b, wire 99, relay 99, resistance 9I to line 33. The holding I circuit is then completed from line 25, wire 91, 10 contacts PI2, wire 91, points 99a, relay 99, resistance 9| to line 33.

If relay 96 is energized alone and in advance of relay 95 a circuit may be traced, as follows: From line 25, wire 91, contacts PI2, wire 91, relay points 95b, wire I99, relay points 96a (now closed), wire 99, relay 99, resistance 9| to line 33. The holding circuit will again be completed and points 99b will control magnet 36a to print the special character to indicate a disagreement in the two amounts. r

Fig, 4 discloses an arrangement in which several special printing magnets may be controlled to indicatethe various relationships that may exist between the amounts in the two counters. A magnet 36b when energized will interrupt its related type bar to print a symbol to Indicate that the amount in counter #I is greater, magnet 36c will interrupt its type bar to print a symbol indicating that the two amounts are equal and magnet 36d will interrupt its type bar to print a symbol indicating that the amount in counter #2 is greater.

Plug sockets 94 of CTR. #I may be connected by suitable plug connections IN to plug sockets I92 and the sockets 96 of the corresponding denominational order of CTR #2 may be connected by plug connections I93 to sockets I94. A circuit through a print magnet 36 of CTR #I will therefore, in the now familiar manner, also energize 40 relay magnet I95 and the left hand winding of a differential relay I96. A circuit through a print magnet of CTR #2 will energize the right hand winding of differential relay I96.

The operation may best be understood by assuming a specific condition; thus, considering the amount in an order of GTE. #I to be greater, relay coil I95 and the left hand winding of relay I96 will be energized and will cause closure of relay points I95a and H160 respectively. A'circuit may thereupon be traced from line 25, wire I91, points I-96a, wire I99, points I95a, relay I99, wire II9, cam contact PI3, wire III, switch 49, contacts 4I to line 33. Energization of relay I99 will close its points I99a to set up a holding circuit for the relay I99 as follows: From line 25, wire II2, points I99a, relay I99, wire II9, contacts PI3 to line 33 as before. This circuit will remain energized until contact PI3 opens near the end of the total printing operations. Closure of points I99b, coincident with closure of points I99a, establishes a circuit from line 25, cam contacts PI2, points I99b, wire III, coil II4, wire 9, wire II9, contacts PI3 to line 33. R/eo5 lay H4 closes its points I No and a holding circuit extends from line 25, wire II6, wire II1, points II4a, relay II4, wire II9, wire II9, contacts PI3 to line 33.

Closure of points II4b will complete the circult to print magnet 36b as follows: From line 25, wire II6, wire II9, points 41), magnet 35b, wire III, switch 49, contacts M to line 33.

In this fashion magnet 36b is caused to interrupt its related type bar to print any suitable symbol such as a plus sign to indicate that counter contains the higher amount.

Assume now, that the amount in CTR. #2 is greater. The right hand winding of relay I will consequently be energized as explained above,

causing closure of points I05a and completion of a circuit as follows: From line 25, wire I01, point-s I05a, wire I08, points I05b, wire I20, relay I2I, wire IIO to line 33 as described. Points I2Ic close to set up a holding circuit from line 25. wire I22, points I2Ia, relay I2I, wire IIO, contacts PI! to line 33. Points I2 Ib close to establish a circuit from line 25, contacts PI2, points I000, points I2Ib, wire I23, relay I24, wires H8, H0, contacts PI3 to line 33. In the same manner as relay I I4, relay I24 closes its points i240 and H4!) to establish a holding circuit and to energize magnet 38d, respectively.

Assume now that both amounts are alike in a particular denominational order. Both windings of relay I05 will be energized simultaneously and consequently points I05a will remain open. Toward the end of the reading out operation of the total taking mechanism, i. e.,-when the stepped cam feelers 49 are in zero reading position, a cam contact PI4 will close momentarily, setting up a circuit as follows: From line 25, cam contacts PI2, points I090, points I2Ic of the first order on the left, wire I25, points I09c and I2Ic of the second order, wire I26, points I090 and I2Ic of the third order, wire I2I, contacts PI4, relay I20, wires H8, H0, contacts PI3 to line 33.

This circuit will only be completed in the event that none of the relays I05 and HI have become energized during the sensing of the stepped cam positions 9 to 0. If any such have been energized, due to an inequality in the amounts, one or more of the points I 09c and I2Ic will be open at the time contacts PI4 close and consequently the circuit to relay I28 will not be completed.

Energization of relay I20 will close its points I28a to establish the now familiar holding circuit and points I28b will complete a circuit to magnet 350 to cause printing of a sign of equality.

A brief resume will now be given of the operation of the modification in connection with the comparison of multi-denominational figures in the two counters. For example, suppose the number 364 entered in counter and 328 entered in counter #2. It will be observed that in the units order the greater digit is in counter #2, in the tens order, the greater digit is in counter and in the hundreds order the digits are of equal value. Assuming that the units order of the counters are plug connected to control the relay magnets I05, I05, I03, and I2I, farthest to the right in Fig. 4, the tens orders are plug connected to control the central group of relay magnets and the hundreds orders are plug connected to control the relay magnets farthest to the left. In accordance with the foregoing detailed tracing of the circuits through the plug connections III and I03, the various relay contacts will be positioned in accordance with the following table:

Contact! Hundreds The setting of the contacts I03 and HI in the hundreds order will remain undisturbed due to the like value of the digit in the counters in the hundreds order. The central set will have its contacts I09 shifted and the units set will have its contacts I2I shifted so that upon closure of 5 cam contacts PI2 following the setting of the various relays, a circuit is traceable as indicated in heavy lines on Fig. 4. This circuit follows from line 25, cam contacts PI2, contacts I09c, the hundreds order contacts I2 Ic, the hundreds order 10 wire I25, contacts I09b of the tens order, wire. H3, relay magnet II4, wires H8 and H0, cam contacts P3, to line III. This circuit controls the operation of magnet 38b to print a plug sign indicating that the amount in counter is greater than in counter #2. Inspection of the wiring connections of the various relay contacts will disclose that if the two numbers are alike, the relay magnets I09 and I2I remain undisturbed and a circuit is serially traceable through all of the contacts I090 and I2Ic, including cam contacts PI4 to control the operation of magnet 30c to print the sign of equality. The highest denominational order showing a difference in digits will cause a branching of this circuit at such point to wire II3 if the number in counter is the greater or to wire I23 if the value in counter #2 is greater.

Fig. 6 illustrates very diagrammatically a form of mechanical tabulator to which the invention may be applied. 200 represent accumulator wheels upon which amounts may be entered in a manner well known in the art. During totaltaking operations of the machine, these wheels are moved into engagement with rack teeth on 85 type bars 20I which are then permitted to rock about their pivots 202 in a counterclockwise direction, under control of the accumulator wheels 200; the distance moved being in accordance with the amount stored on the wheel. Printing type 203 will accordingly be set to print such amount on a platen 204. In Fig. 6, the lower bar 20I may be connected, as by a tape 205, guided around suitable pulleys, with a rack 206 meshing with a gear 201 (see also Fig. 7) secured to a bevel gear 200 of a differential mechanism. The upper bar 20I may be connected, as by a tape 20!, with a rack 2 I0 meshing with a gear 2| I fixed on a rod 2I2 which also carries a bevel gear 2I3. Both bevel gears are supported in the cage 2 of the differential and mesh with bevel gears MS as shown.

It is obvious that rotation of bevel gears 200 and 2|! an equal distance in opposite directions will not change the position of cage 2. An unequal movement, however, will rotate the cage in one direction or the other. This is effected by movement of one of the type bars 20I, greater or less than the movement of the other bar indicating different total print settings. Rotation of cage 2 will draw on a tape 2I6 to rock a latch 2H and release a type bar 2I0. Bar 2Il will thereupon swing against a stop 2I0 and position one of its type 203a to print a symbol on platen 204 indicative of a difference in amount on bars 55.

The invention has now been explained in connection with several specific embodiments but it will be understood that many other modifications will occur to those skilled in the art which will 7 not depart from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In a machine of the class described, a pair of accumulators, means for entering items in each of said accumulators whereby the amount 74 in one accumulator may be equal to or different than the amountin the other accumulator, total taking means for reading the totals in said accumulators, comparing means controlled thereby and means controlled by the comparing means for indicating the relationship existing between the values of the totals read from the said accumulators.

2. In a machine of the class described, accumulators and item enter'ng means therefor, total printing circuits controlled by said accumulators to control printing of the amounts in said accumulators, a supplemental printing circuit, means for comparing the amounts in said accumulators and means controlled by said comparing means for controlling the operation of said supplemental printing circuit.

3. In a machine of the class described, accumulators and item entering means therefor, total printing circuits controlled by said accumulators to control printing of the amounts in said accumulators, a plurality of supplemental printing circuits, means for comparing the amounts in said accumulators, and means controlled thereby for selectively controlling the operation of said supplemental printing circuits to indicate the relationship existing between values of the totals read from said accumulators.

4. In a machine of the class described, a plurality of entry receiving devices, means for entering items derived from record cards, means for determining by joint reading of amounts in the devices whether an entry in one device is equal to, greater than, or less than an entry in another of said devices, printing mechanism and means controlled by said determining means for controlling the operation of said printing mechanism in difierent ways in accordance with the relationship between the entries in said device.

5. In a machine of the class described, a pair of accumulators, means for entering items derived from record cards, total printing circuits for printing the totals in said accumulators, means controlled by said total printing circuits for determining whether the total in one accumulator is equal to, greater than, or less than the total in the other accumulator and means controlled by said determining means for indicating whether the total in the one accumulator is equal to, greater than, or less than the total in the other accumulator.

6. In a machine of the class described, a plu- 5 rality of accumulators, means for entering items derived from record cards, means for determining by joint reading of amounts in the accumulators whether an entry in one accumulator is equal to, gr-"ater than, or less than an entry in 1 another of said accumulators and means con trolled thereby for printing a distinctive symbol for each relationship.

7. In a machine of the class described, a pair of accumulators each having a plurality of denominational orders, means for entering items derived from record cards, means for separately comparing the corresponding orders of the pair of accumulators including a set-up device for each order and means including recording devices controlled thereby for indicating the relationship existing between values of the entries in said accumulators.

8. In a machine of the class described, a pair of accumulators, means for entering items in each accumulator whereby the amount in one accumulator may be equal to or difierent than the amount in the other accumulator, means for reading the amounts in said accumulators, a setup device controlled by said reading means, a separate indicating device for each relationship which may exist between the values of the amounts in the accumulators and means controlled by said set-up device for selecting one of said indicating devices for operation.

9. In a machine 'of the class described, a pair of accumulators each settable to represent a number, a trio of circuits, comparing means for determining the relationship between the numbers set on the two accumulators, and means 40 controlled thereby for completing one of said circuits when the numbers set are alike, the second when the number on one is greater than that on thesecond, and the third, when the number on said first one is less than the number on said second one.

ULRICH 361M. 

